Mayor Reed Invites Young Residents Ages 15–24 to Join Montgomery in Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Climate Action Fund

Montgomery, Alabama - Mayor Steven L. Reed today announced that the City of Montgomery has been selected as one of 300 new city halls worldwide to join Bloomberg Philanthropies' Youth Climate Action Fund, a global program designed to mobilize young residents ages 15-24 to design and lead innovative, measurable climate-action projects.

Through the Fund, Montgomery will open youth innovation competitions to identify strong, locally tailored climate solutions. Selected youth-led projects will receive microgrants of $1,000-$5,000, as well as hands-on implementation support from City staff.

The Youth Climate Action Fund empowers young people to tackle climate challenges closest to their daily lives - improving public spaces, strengthening local infrastructure, supporting disaster resilience, promoting energy efficiency, and building greener, healthier communities. To be eligible, projects must be proposed, designed, and led by at least two young residents, demonstrate measurable impact, align with Montgomery's climate priorities, and be completed by April 15, 2027.

Funds must be administered by an eligible nonprofit, school, public agency, or other qualifying sponsor organization.

Mayor Reed said being selected as one of 300 cities worldwide for the Youth Climate Action Fund is a tremendous honor for Montgomery and a powerful vote of confidence in our young people.

"This opportunity connects our city to a global movement proven to strengthen communities and rebuild trust in local government," said Mayor Reed. "Montgomery's future will be shaped by the creativity, courage, and commitment of our youth, and this Fund gives them the tools to turn bold ideas into real change. We are grateful to Bloomberg Philanthropies for believing in the promise of our city and investing in the next generation of leaders who will help us build a cleaner, stronger, more resilient Montgomery."

Young residents ages 15-24 are invited to submit project ideas.

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. CT on October 9, 2026.
Questions: Contact Amerika Blair, Director of Innovation, at [email protected].

Global Impact & Program Background
The Youth Climate Action Fund provides capital and capacity for cities to mobilize young people in designing solutions aligned with local climate priorities. The program's expansion builds on results in 34 countries, where 98 municipalities improved trust in government and delivered visible improvements for residents - helping a new generation see City Hall as a partner in shaping their communities.

In previous cohorts, more than 300,000 young people have created 1,600+ green spaces, planted 1.8 million plants and 235,000 trees, developed 5,000 gardens, launched 268 composting stations, and collected over 405,000 pounds of trash and recyclables. Trust among youth participants rose from 61% to 83%, and their confidence in addressing environmental challenges jumped from 65% to 90%.

Participating cities have also institutionalized youth leadership, with more than half establishing formal youth councils, advisory boards, participatory budgeting processes, or dedicated staff roles to sustain engagement. The 300 newly selected cities span the globe: 76 in Central and South America; 63 in North America; 60 in Africa; 58 in Europe; 35 in Asia; 6 in Oceania; and 2 in the Middle East.

About the Youth Climate Action Fund Partnership
The Youth Climate Action Fund is established and supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies and delivered in partnership with the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University, C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, and United Cities and Local Governments as a fiscally sponsored project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.

About Bloomberg Philanthropies
Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. In 2025, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $4.3 billion.

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